§ MR JOHN ELLIS (Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now say when the rules respecting the application of electricity to coal mining will be settled and published.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) The rules suggested by the Committee on this matter have been circulated in the various mining districts, and are now being considered by the coal-owners. I expect shortly to receive their views. Having regard to the number and complexity of the rules I think it is fair to give some time for consideration and for the suggestion of amendments, before formally proposing them in accordance with the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulation Acts. I am, however, using my best efforts to expedite the matter, as I think it will be of advantage to everyone to get a set of rules into force as soon as possible.